Start Fencing
There are many ways to get started at Oregon Fencing Alliance. The easiest is to call 503-467-9891 or e-mail info@oregonfencing.com and we’ll help your child, or you, arrange to join the most appropriate class. You may also sign up your child for a class or summer camp at one of the local schools and park and recreation districts that partner with us. Scroll down to see the latest opportunities. Meanwhile, experienced fencers are more than welcome to come to Portland to participate in one of our elite camps, which are held the week between Christmas and New Year’s, in late June after the end of school, and in late August, before the next school year.
Youth
Give sabre fencing a try! OFA partners with schools and several park and recreation districts throughout the Portland area to offer year-around classes and weeklong summer Learn to Fence camps. We are also offering a Learn to Fence package at our fencing gym for those who want to get started before summer. Please e-mail info@oregonfencing.com or call 503-467-9891 for the latest information.)
Learn to Fence Camps and Classes
OFA offers winter and summer camps for all levels, from beginning to elite fencers. Come practice with and learn from some of the world’s best fencers.
We welcome visiting campers from other U.S. clubs and from other countries. OFA’s internationally respected Head Coach Adam Skarbonkiewicz and our talented assistant coaches, Ian Farr and Jeff Larsen, provide intensive training at the advanced to elite level, or join us at camps offering skill-level appropriate fun and learning for younger fencers. Scroll down for details and camp brochures.
We also offer a number of Learn to Fence summer and fall camps for new and beginning fencers throughout then Portland Metropolitan Area. Scroll down for details and brochures.
We also offer individual Learn to Fence Packages. Scroll down for the latest information, call 503-467-9891, or email info@oregonfencing.com.
OFA 2024 SUMMER SABRE CAMPS
June 22-26 and Aug. 10-16
Our 31th annual summer camps are cosponsored by the Oregon Fencing Alliance, the US National Women’s Sabre Training Center and The Mariel Zagunis Women’s Saber Fund. These very popular camps are open to all fencers ages 13 and up with a minimum of 2 years’ experience or by coach recommendation. We enthusiastically welcome fencers from across the country.
The focus of our summer camps is on tactical preparations, technical drills, and fitness training, including speed, agility and strength building. Learn new tactics and have the opportunity to fence at world renowned OFA, home of multiple World Champions. OFA also has a broad depth of female and male sabre fencers in all age groups, repeatedly placing fencers in the finals in all NAC age groups and Divisions as well as medalists in Cadet, Junior and Senior World Cup competitions.
Daily fencing at the camp begins at 9 am starting with fitness and footwork drills with tactical and technical training exercises. After lunch, the afternoons will focus on bouting, small tournaments and group lessons.
Spaces are limited, so send your application in today!
For more information or to register, contact OFA Executive Director Tara DelaRosa at info@oregonfencing.com or call 503-467-9891.
OFA SUMMER YOUTH FENCING CAMP
Aug. 19-23, 2024
Join OFA's coaching staff for a fun week of fencing! Included in the camp are tactical lessons with bouting every day. Games, fitness, and agility drills along with technical small group instruction during each session. This is the perfect camp for fencers aged 6 to 12, with three months of experience. Get all the details from Executive Director Tara Delarosa at 503-467-9891 or at info@oregonfencing.com.
Summer Camp: InTRO TO FENCING Level II
July 29-Aug. 2, 2024
This is a new camp especially designed for youths who have completed a Learn to Fence Camp at one of our partner facilities and are eager for more. Join OFA’s coaching staff at our club for more fencing instruction and experience. Get all the details from Executive Director Tara Delarosa at 503-467-9891 or info@oregonfencing.com.
LEARN TO FENCE CAMPS AND CLASSES
2024 SUMMER CAMPS
(Must register with the hosting organization)
Lake Oswego Park & Recreation
(Create an account and register here or call 503-675-2549)
Learn to Fence Classes
June 24-28
July 15-19
July 29-Aug. 2
Aug. 12-16
All classes for ages 7-12
Call 503-675-2549 or look online at www.lakeoswegoparks.org.
Garden Home Rec Center /THPRD
7475 SW Oleson Road, Portland
July 15-19
July 22-26
Aug. 5-9
For information, call 503-629-6341 or look online at www.thprd.org.
Oregon Episcopal School Summer Programs
6300 SW Nicol Road, Portland
July 8-12
July 22-26
To register or get information, call 503-768-3145 or look online at www.oes.edu.
Catlin Gabel School Summer Camps
8825 SW Barnes Road, Portland
July 8-12
July 22-26
Aug. 5-9
For information, call 503-297-1894 or look online at www.catlin.edu.
Conestoga Recreation Center-THPRD
9985 SW 125th Ave., Beaverton
July 8-12
July 29-Aug. 2
Aug. 5-9
Register at https://www.thprd.org
Adults
OFA welcomes adults who are interested in fencing, and we have a strong adult class, including members of U.S. national veteran teams. You’re never too old to try fencing. Sherry Green learned to fence at OFA at age 61 and became the No. 1 ranked women’s sabre fencer in the 60+ age group. She made the world championship national veteran’s team multiple times. You could be next.
Camps
OFA also hosts summer and winter camps for all levels, from beginning to elite fencers, who come to us from around the world. Join Head Coach Adam Skarbonkiewicz and Assistant coaches Ian Farr, Jeff Larsen, Anna Atanassov and Yelena Kalkina either for intensive training at the advanced level, or for skill-level appropriate fun and learning for beginner, youth competitive and junior competitive level fencers.
